Thirsty Thursday Featuring Bob Augustine

Thank you for chatting with us! For newer fans, how did your passion for music and career come about? I grew up in a musical family. My dad played a mean accordion and we loved when he would play. My Grandmother was a singer. Growing up, the radio was always on and also my parents and both sets of grandparents had hi-fi's and played records a lot. I gave up music for over 25 years to 'do life' but picked I up the guitar again after my wife passed and this flood of new material came out that was fueled by my many emotions and experiences that had built up over the years.

What song that you have recorded means the most to you and why? "Moon Song for Mary Ann." It is for my wife and I am singing to her every time I perform it. I am still getting used to honoring her life and passing while moving on with my life and this song helps.

When/where do you do your best writing? Most of my songs were written in my sunny little office first thing in the morning, and I have references to sunshine in many of my songs as a result. I like the feeling of a very private space that this office provides and it allows me to be free about tapping into my emotions.

What was the first album or 'Vinyl' that you bought? It was Kansas, 'Point of Know Return' I was so new to rock that I only bought it based on the cover that showed a ship sailing off the edge of a flat earth. Of course in school there were lots of pictures of the round earth so this image was striking and scary to a young boy and I used to stare at it while listening to the album and imagine being on that boat!

What was the best piece of advice you've ever been given about pursuing a career in music? I have tapped into the technical and logistical knowledge of a couple of experienced musicians that I trust but ultimately I have provided the best piece of advice to myself and that is: "Your music is yours and it comes from who you are as a person so just present it to the world the best you can and don't worry about anything else."

Was there ever music playing in the kitchen growing up? Yes, my mother usually had the top 40 station on and it was like having all the great songwriters of the 60's and 70's as a soundtrack to my childhood. Also, my grandmother always had polkas playing while cooking Sunday dinner.

What is one food that most people seem to like, but you cannot stand to eat? French Fries. I am very picky about them and rarely do I find some that I like. Then I eat them all!

What's your favorite food on the road? I always try to get the local specialties. Chicago, Deep dish. Philly, sorry Genos wins. San Fran, seafood. KC and St. Louis, barbeque. Across the South, gas station chicken. Denver, mountain oysters, no, wait!

Southerners know good cookin'. What should every Southern kitchen be stocked with? Everything needed to make fried chicken, of course. It's my favorite Southern dish.

If you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why? I think it would be the Heinz company because they are based in my hometown of Pittsburgh and the vinegar they make pairs well with some of my songs! But seriously, I would be open minded here and very happy if any company saw a connection between their brand and my music.

Website: www,folkindiebob,com

Facebook: www.facebook/folkindiebob

Instagram: @folkindiebob

YouTube: www.youtube.folkindiebob